Oakland University Center for Autism Research and Support, has just launched their first bowling league in an effort to provide enjoyment to individuals with autism.

The team bowls at Classic Lanes in Rochester Hills every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Members of OUCARES take part in providing activities that will help individuals with autism engage in social interaction and make friends.

“The most important aspect of the bowling league is the participants having fun and making friends,” Kathy Sweeney, director of OUCARES, said. “(Public awareness) is important as well.”

In general, OUCARES’ mission is to improve quality of life for individuals and families affected by autism.

The league, called the OUCARES Strikers, had their first match this past Saturday and the season will run for nine weeks. The organization intends for the league to run year-round.

The league is coached by a professional bowler and is run in partnership with the Autism Society of Oakland County. A conscious effort has been made to make the league financially reasonable for participants.

“It is important for individuals with autism from all age groups to have an outlet as well as different activities to participate in,” Karin Chandler, OUCARES program director, said.

The bowling league is geared specifically toward young adults and gives those with autism a chance to interact with others from their age group and build self-esteem.

“Being a part of the league, they can accomplish something rather than feeling defeated and different,” Chandler said.

Every OUCARES program tries to work with each individual and acknowledge his or her success.

They believe that providing an opportunity in a controlled, supportive environment is vital for individuals with autism.

“The bottom line is … we want them to have fun,” Chandler said.

To further recognize their accomplishments, OUCARES plans to organize a party at the bowling alley after the participants complete the season.

The bowling league is just one example of OUCARES’ passion for autism awareness. The organization provides 25 recreational programs that run year-round, including basketball, baseball, soccer and martial arts. They also run summer camps and film camps.

According to Sweeney, there is a lot more diversity among individuals with autism than most people think.

The organization as a whole wants to increase public awareness, and volunteers help them to do so.

In fact, they rely completely on OU student volunteers.

According to Chandler, communication students and members from the athletic community have been very enthusiastic about volunteering.

For more information about the OUCARES and the OUCARES Strikers go to oakland.edu/oucares or visit their Facebook page.

Contact staff intern Rachel Ritzenthaler via e-mail at [email protected] or follow her on Twitter @rachelritz